I’ll be honest—spending quality time with family and friends during the holidays is far more important than just buying gifts for the sake of it. Of course, I enjoy gift-giving (I am a shopping writer, after all!), but I’m very intentional with my choices. The goal? Thoughtful gifts that won’t break the bank. It’s all about being strategic—no unnecessary splurging here.
Now, don’t get me wrong, quirky gifts are fun for White Elephant parties or for those coworkers you don’t know that well. But when it comes to the people who truly matter? I’m all about finding meaningful gifts they’ll actually use. This year, I’ve set a $25 budget per person, and I’ve been on the hunt for practical, fun, and affordable finds that still feel special.
Even though scrolling through Amazon is literally part of my job (don’t ask how many hours I’ve spent doing this!), I was surprised by how many amazing gifts I found under $25. Some are right at the $25 mark and perfect for solo gifting, while others are even cheaper and great for combo gifting. From cozy socks to sleek mug warmers, here’s what made the list—and prices start as low as $8. Check out my favorites below!
Welcome to E! Insider Shop
We are a team of deal-seeking shopping enthusiasts, always on the hunt for the next great sale and those must-have items that make you ask, “Where did you get that?!” Whether it’s shopping for timeless wardrobe staples or the latest #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt trends, we love finding and sharing our discoveries with you!
From gift guides to celebrity-inspired finds, we’re dedicated to seeking out and reviewing the best products in beauty, fashion, wellness, home décor, and tech. We only recommend products that meet our standards: items we’ve personally tried, expert-recommended products, and those with trustworthy customer reviews. Our content is editorially independent, meaning our writers and editors only feature products we love and think you will too.
How It Works
Though we maintain editorial independence, we do have affiliate partnerships with brands and retailers. What does that mean for you? When you click on a link from our articles and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Prices are accurate at the time of publishing. These affiliate partnerships do not influence our editorial decisions.
If we have a paid partnership with a brand or advertiser, we’ll be sure to let you know.
Has Your Product Been Featured?
We may license our logo to brands or products that were featured as bestsellers, editors’ picks, or otherwise highlighted on E! Insider Shop. If you’re interested in licensing your product’s appearance in E! Insider Shop content, please reach out to our licensing partner, Wright’s Media, for more information.
Our Brand Promise
We aim to inspire women who rely on us to find products and solutions that help them thrive both personally and professionally.
As pop culture enthusiasts and celebrity style experts, we focus on what’s trending in fashion, beauty, wellness, and home, while making celebrity-influencer lifestyles more accessible.
Our audience trusts us to discover affordable solutions that elevate their style and improve everyday living.